Vanzandt signs to play golf at MSU-West Plains

Thursday, May 28, 2009

By Lisa Schlichtman

Cassville golfer will take his game to college
Democrat Photo
Taylor Vanzandt, a member of Cassville High School's Class of 2009, has signed a letter of intent to play golf at Missouri State University-West Plains. Pictured in the front row, from left, are: Taylor and his parents, LaDon and Danny Vanzandt. Back row: CHS Athletic Director Terry Jamieson and Phillip Wade, MSU-West Plains golf coach. CHS golf coach Lance Parnell was unable to attend the signing ceremony because he was attending the funeral of a close family friend.

Cassville High School's Taylor Vanzandt will be taking his love for the game of golf all the way to college.

Taylor capped an outstanding high school golfing career by signing a letter of intent to play golf at Missouri State University-West Plains. His decision to continue playing golf in college was made the week before he played in the state golf tournament for the third year in a row.

"This means a lot to me, because I've been working for it since I was little," said Taylor, who added that he's been playing golf since he was old enough to swing a golf club.

"My parents (Danny and Ladon) got me started," said Taylor. "They both play golf and I'd go with them. I've been playing competitively since I was 7."

Countless rounds of golf have also helped Taylor develop his game. He rarely misses a day out on the Cassville Golf Course where he typically plays nine holes.

Looking ahead to the future, Taylor said if he plays well at MSU-West Plains, which is a two-year community college, he then hopes to play at a bigger college and "maybe make it big."

CHS Golf Coach Lance Parnell said he is thrilled that Taylor has signed to play golf in college.

"I am very excited for Taylor," said Parnell. "He has played very well all year. He's a good kid who deserves this."

During Taylor's four-year high school career, he was the Big 8 Conference champion in 2007 and 2009 and qualified for the state tournament as a sophomore, junior and senior.

In 2007 and 2008, Taylor finished among the state's top 20 golfers. This spring, the CHS senior finished in 43rd place.